Peyton Manning says Broncos can overcome McGahee's absence

Peyton Manning said the Broncos will undoubtedly miss injured running back Willis McGahee, but said he believes others can do a good job filling the void.

"We have that 'next man up' philosophy around here. Other teams have it and coach (John) Fox certainly has it," Manning said after practice at Dove Valley. "We've had other players get injured and other players have stepped up, whether it was Chris Kuper or Tracy Porter or whoever it was."

McGahee, sidelined with a torn MCL, "certainly will be missed, he's that good of a player."

"Knowshon (Moreno) and Lance (Ball) and Ronnie (Hillman), and (they) all have to step up, and everybody else has to step their game up too, when you're missing one of your top players. And those guys will step up and do a good job."

The 7-3 Broncos , who play at Kansas City this weekend, will practice Thanksgiving morning.

"I think it's important that a good football team can still have a good practice in a holiday situation," Manning said. "And we can still realize what a special day it is, with family and friends, and be thankful for our blessings. We have a lot to be thankful for."

Manning said nobody should take the Chiefs lightly, despite their poor season.

"They're good defensively. They can put a lot of pressure on the quarterback and it's always tough playing at Arrowhead," Manning said.